Little Girl’s Bruises Kept Getting Worse

A vibrant 9-year-old girl from Birmingham, Brogan-Lei Partridge, has become a symbol of strength and resilience after surviving a devastating battle with meningococcal meningitis and sepsis. What began as what seemed to be a minor childhood infection quickly escalated into a life-threatening medical emergency, leading to the amputation of both of her feet.

Now, Brogan and her family are raising awareness about the early symptoms of meningitis and the critical importance of urgent medical care, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same trauma.

 From Rash to ICU: How a Misdiagnosed Infection Nearly Claimed Her Life

After returning from a family holiday in Cornwall, Brogan began experiencing symptoms that were initially mistaken for a mild eye infection—possibly conjunctivitis from swimming. Her mother, Aimee Partridge, noted some vomiting, fatigue, and a small rash.

“She just seemed a bit off,” Aimee recalled. “We assumed it was something minor—like conjunctivitis or a viral infection. But within hours, her condition spiraled.”

Brogan’s rash spread rapidly across her legs, her energy levels plummeted, and she developed signs of toxic shock, a hallmark of bacterial sepsis. Alarmed, the family rushed her to A&E at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where doctors made the urgent diagnosis: meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

 Emergency Pediatric Intensive Care and Life-Saving Amputation

By the time Brogan reached the pediatric intensive care unit, her condition was critical. Sepsis treatment protocols were immediately initiated, including aggressive IV antibiotics, blood transfusions, and life support to stabilize her condition.

Despite the hospital’s best efforts, the infection had already caused irreversible tissue damage to Brogan’s extremities. Doctors made the heartbreaking decision to amputate both of her feet to save her life.

 Life After Amputation: Brogan’s Inspiring Journey of Recovery

Brogan’s path to healing has been nothing short of extraordinary. With the help of prosthetic technology, physical rehabilitation, and the unwavering support of her family, she is learning to walk again.

“She’s our warrior,” said Aimee. “Her strength, even after losing both feet, has left us all in awe.”

The family is currently exploring custom pediatric prosthetics and mobility aids for amputees, and Brogan’s progress has been remarkable.

 Raising Awareness: Know the Early Signs of Meningococcal Disease

Brogan’s family has launched a public awareness campaign focused on the early symptoms of meningitis in children—which can easily be mistaken for minor illnesses:

• Unexplained rash that doesn’t fade when pressed

• Sudden vomiting

• Lethargy or extreme fatigue

• Cold hands and feet despite fever

• Stiff neck or sensitivity to light

• Seizures in some cases

“Had we waited any longer, she might not be here,” said Aimee. “Every parent needs to know these signs. It could save a life.”

 What Can You Do? Protecting Your Child From Meningitis

Parents are advised to:

• Ensure children are up to date on meningitis vaccines

• Learn about critical illness insurance for children

• Seek immediate care if symptoms suggest bacterial meningitis or septicemia

• Request early diagnostic testing, including blood cultures and lumbar punctures, in suspicious cases

• Consider legal advice in cases involving medical misdiagnosis or delayed treatment